Organized medical staffs must have heightened sensitivity to unique issues in medicine such as self-governance, staffing arrangements and the need for unity and activism. The AMA's Office of the General Counsel has become increasingly involved with the legal issues surrounding organized medical staffs, as demonstrated by the resources below.
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Medical peer review (PDF, 29KB)
Economic credentialing - issues and answers
AMA protocol for medical staff self-governance assistance
Physician's Guide to Medical Staff Organization Bylaws, 3rd Edition
(PDF, 1.4MB) July 2006
Because medical staff bylaws are considered a contract and legally binding in the majority of states, it is extremely important that they are well designed and well written. This publication contains practical guidance on bylaws development, model bylaws language, information on emerging issues and recent trends in medical staff reengineering. The Physician's Guide is available online free to AMA Members. Non-members can purchase access to the PDF for $30 by contacting AMA Press at (800) 621-8335, mentioning item # DL424505.
Economic credentialing
A description of issues and answers relating to exclusive or economic credentialing.EMTALA
Detailed information on the changes to the EMTALA regulationsFighting back! Combating economic credentialing
Description of recent change to Carroll County General Hospital citizenship policy.Funding for undocumented aliens
Details regarding funding for EMTALA Care of undocumented aliens.Content provided by: Office of the General Counsel